Wednesday, 13 October 2010

"It is possible to be a good Muslim while being homosexual." The assertion is often in the words of Imam Moulana Muhsin Hendricks, the only cleric in the world with Daayiee Abdullah taking his homosexuality publicly. Saturday, they were both in Paris, under high security police, to attend the first international conference of Muslim gay associations, Calem (LGBT Conference of European and Muslim).

"Islam is often misunderstood by the LGBT

"Being a good Muslim means being at peace in his heart and soul, says Daayiee Abdullah, imam in Washington. We must reach the point where two poles of his life, his faith and sexuality are reconciled. And my personal study of the Quran taught me it was possible. "For both religious, nothing in the Koran condemns homosexuality and those who are in his name wrong interpretation. However, they confide that "the Muslim community is not necessarily ready to accept differences," and in return, "Islam is often misunderstood by the LGBT community."

To "build bridges between communities" and provide "the right to be gay and Muslim," Imam Hendricks created 13 years ago in South Africa The Inner Circle , the only major international association of gay Muslims. Its mission: "to fight against the internalization of homophobia leading to suicide and some gay Muslims against forced marriages and the social pressure that pushes gays to lead double lives."

Death penalty

Its action has become a model for other associations of gay Muslims. Saturday, they were to have found a dozen to share their experiences. Among them, several European associations which HM2F (Homos Muslims in France), organizer of the meeting. "Being gay and Muslim is a reality for us, but many questions arise to best reconcile our sexuality and our faith, says the association. That's why we need a space for sharing and hospitality. We must also be organized to assert our rights with States and with the Muslim community."

For other associations, to assert their rights is a matter of survival, advocate for the LGBT cause an action that may be worth the jail. A dozen activists are rushed in the Maghreb and the Middle East, aware that being identified as gay prohibit their return to their country. In turn, they discussed the underground, the threat of extremist groups, condemning the law, sometimes to the death penalty, homosexuality. "We do not have the right to hold us together," said a young Algerian militant. The best gateway to advocate is to join associations to fight against HIV. We also try to create a network on the Internet, the least risky area for homosexuals. In Algeria, homosexuality is a crime, always presented as a deputy from abroad. We want to claim both our homosexuality and our Algerian identity. "

"One day the Muslim countries accept homos"

LGBT associations have recently emerged in most countries of the Maghreb. In an attempt to ensure their safety, they have created an informal network of support but the fear of repression everyone's mind. "I think the government knows our existence," says a Moroccan militant. For now, authorities have kept total silence, it's almost a positive response."

The struggle in these countries represents the biggest challenge in the eyes of Moulana Muhsin Hendricks. He is sure "that one day, all Muslim countries accept gays, before braking his optimism:" But it will take time, I do not know if I'll still be alive to see it. "